Scandal at Vauxhall (Pleasure Garden Follies) by Layna Pimentel

known.
    Such a pity she
had to endure the humiliation of her husband’s affair, and even their own tryst
at Vauxhall. Nothing would ever take away that embarrassment. He had never once
considered Isabel a conquest. Yet, he never stopped himself from leading them
into compromising situations.
    He eased into
his seat in the parlor when Downsbury spoke up.
    “So, how exactly
does one get away with scandalous affairs at the Pleasure Gardens, my lord? I
am vastly amused at how quietly the House of Lords has been handling your
indiscretions.”
    Nathaniel choked
on the port he had been sipping and cleared his throat. Everyone from Avonlea,
his mother, Eloise and her mother, and the various other guests were silenced.
    “Your Grace,
while I am not one to listen to what the wagging tongues of London have to say
about anything or anyone, I will remind you once again, I do not discuss my
personal life. Not in private, nor in public. And I find it particularly rude
and inconsiderate of you to even bring up such a discussion before delicate
ears.
    “That said, I
think everyone present would love to know how your lovely duchess is doing.
Pray tell, why hasn’t she yet graced us with her presence?”
    The duke
sneered, only regaining his composure when the dowager countess approached Nathaniel
from behind and whispered, “What in the devil are you doing?”
    “Do sit down, Mother.
I am only asking what the entire is room is dying to know.”
    “My wife is
unwell and has decided to rest in the country for a bit.”
    And there it
was. The duchess was surely in confinement, and to keep from further
embarrassing himself, he had rushed her off to the country. How typical.
    “Of course she
did,” Nathaniel muttered before setting his glass down. “Well, I wish everyone
a good evening. I am exhausted and would like to retire before my sensibility
escapes me.”
    Eloise threw
herself into his path, blocking his exit once again. “Surely, My Lord, I could
entice you with some cheery music.”
    “I am sorry,
Eloise, but I would much rather retire for the evening. Perhaps another time.”
    On cue, Avonlea
retrieved the eager, husband-hunting Miss Morton from his sight. A heavy knock
on the front door drew everyone’s attention from the parlor. A panicked voice
pleaded and begged for entry. Approaching the foyer, his butler barely managed
to keep the visitor put.
    “What seems to
be the issue?”
    “The Duke of
Downsbury…where is he? I have urgent news!”
    “What news?” the
duke asked, joining the party in the foyer.
    “Her Grace’s
carriage. There was an accident. Her body has been washed away.”
    Gasps could be
heard from the other room. Well now, this
evening has certainly gotten more interesting. If he heard right, the duke
only snorted, “You are positive her remains could not be found and that she has
indeed died?”
    The messenger
nodded furiously.
    “Run along now.
Thank you for the message.”
    Nathaniel’s butler
closed the door behind the boy. The marquess shook
his head when the duke ordered everyone into the other room and requested more
drinks. The man clearly had no heart, simply dismissing the fact that his wife
had died. No grief. No questions asked. What
kind of man went on with life without a moment of introspection?
    Nathaniel could
not believe he had just walked on by and did not let the loss of his wife move
him one bit. He marched back into the parlor and stood in the entryway. “That’s
it? That is all you are going to say on your wife’s death? Did you slip on your
way here and lose half your wits? Your wife is dead, man. Go home and at least
put a half decent effort into fooling the public that you are grieving!”
    “Why on earth
would I do that? Her Ladyship and I have much to discuss.” And it was the
sinister smile that the duke gave Nathaniel’s sister that threw him over the
edge for the final time.
    “You had best
set aside any notion of making her your next duchess. I will not allow